NTSB Factual Report

The pilot stated that the aircraft had been “pushed” by wind toward the trees throughout the approach. The parachute webbing became caught in the trees; the undercarriage fell and impacted the ground on all three wheels. The pilot did not possess a valid pilot certificate and had received no formalized flight training. He had flown the powered parachute for about 15 hours prior to the accident. A postaccident inspection revealed that the powered parachute sustained substantial damage to the undercarriage and that there were no pre-existing mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. A three knot crosswind existed during the approach.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control of the powered parachute, which resulted in a collision with trees during final approach. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's lack of flight training.